A Solo Traveler's Guide to Self-Care: 8 Tips for Nurturing Your Well-being on Trips
Sometimes when we travel, we can be so adamant about building out an itinerary of noteworthy activities that there is little room and time for rest, relaxation, and self care — so much so that we might come home from vacation tired. As much as I want to experience the fullness of a destination, the more I travel, the more I recognize the need for balance on my trips. Here are eight ways to
1. Prioritizing your wants and needs.
Solo travel is an opportunity to indulge in self-discovery and nourish your soul. Start by identifying your needs and desires. What activities bring you joy and relaxation? Is it practicing yoga on the beach, indulging in a spa day, or simply spending time in nature? By making a conscious effort to prioritize your well-being, you create space for self-care experiences that align with your personal interests and rejuvenate your spirit.
2. Book a stay at a wellness resort.
One of the easiest ways to get some self-care time in while traveling is to book a stay at a wellness resort because it’s already set up for you to relax. You may find that they already have a full service spa, yoga or guided meditation classes, tailored food menu, or day trips to a tranquil destinations. Wellness resorts are often designed so that you don’t have to do much thinking and turning your brain off for a few days can be an act of self-care in itself.
2. Spend time in nature and/or by water.
If you’ve booked a beach stay, this is relatively easy to do, especially if your hotel or resort is on the water. Scientific studies show that time in natural environments can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood by decreasing cortisol levels. The soothing sights and sounds of water, known as “blue spaces,” have been linked to enhanced mental clarity and relaxation. The blue space in the photo below was just steps away from my room at a wellness resort in Jamaica, and I spent hours here every day unplugging and recharging.
3. Book gentle movement or meditation activities.
One of the joys of solo travel is immersing yourself in new cultures and experiences. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore local wellness offerings. Research local spas, wellness retreats, or yoga studios that resonate with your interests. Engaging in local wellness practices allows you to connect with the destination on a deeper level and discover new self-care rituals that can be incorporated into your everyday life.
4. Unplug: Spend less time on your phone and devices.
This is easier said than done these days because most people are glued to their phones for various reasons, but solo travel provides an ideal environment to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude. I typically plan activities that are immersive or require me to use my hands for other things, which is time carved out for me to disconnect, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of the moment i’m currently in around you. I’m also known to unplug by reading a book because I always travel with one; when I’m immersed in a great book, I could not care less about my phone. Embracing mindfulness and gratitude naturally enhances any self-care experience and brings your attention to the here and now, so choose the activities that allow you to have this experience.
5. Take breaks.
Solo travel tempts me to pack my itinerary with endless adventure, but it’s important to find a balance between activity and rest. If you’re traveling to recharge, then there’s no point in overdoing it and returning home more tired than when you left. Downtime is necessary, and that might look like a drink at the bar, returning to your hotel for a nap between activities, calling family or friends to check in or taking a moment to journal about your trip. Embracing balance ensures that your trips are both fulfilling and sustainable.
6. Sleep well.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I get some of my best sleep in hotels. There’s just something about being away with no responsibilities in a comfortable bed and dark room that just makes me drift right off. Traveling is exciting, but it can also be physically and mentally demanding. I have a packed itinerary on most of my trips, but I make sure to balance it out by turning in early when I have to wake up early the next day or sleeping in if I stay out late the previous night. I make sure that I have enough sleep on vacation so I have the energy to fully enjoy the adventures I have planned.
7. Get some sun.
One of my favorite parts of vacationing is being outdoors. There are few things I love more than feeling the sun on my skin, and I feel like it instantly energizes me and puts me in a good mood, thanks to the serotonin. I have also noticed that when I travel and spend a lot of time outdoors, I sleep really well at night.
8. Book wellness experiences unique to the area you’re visiting.
When I went to Joshua Tree, California, I booked the most incredible sound bath at the Integratron just a few minutes away in Landers. Now, you can experience sound baths all over the place, but the Intregratron has an interesting history and construction that the designer claims can rejuvenate human cells. It is said to be acoustically perfect, so the calming effect of the quartz bowls is amplified. This experience is obviously unique to this specific location, so I made it a point to book a public session ($60/person). I remember arranging my mat, closing my eyes, and waking up an hour later feeling the best I’ve ever felt in my body, so there must have been something to it.
Your activity of choice doesn’t have to be a sound bath, but I always recommend doing a bit of research to find things that you may only be able to experience at your planned destination. It’s also important to remember that these activities don’t have to be extravagant. As a general rule of thumb, do what makes sense for your budget and your interests.
As a solo traveler, it could never hurt to incorporate self-care moments into every trip. Listening to your body and prioritizing your needs can help you create unforgettable experiences that are also transformative and rejuvenating.
